Shoe tree

ABSTRACT

A shoe tree for being inserted into a shoe, such as a dress shoe or casual shoe, has a frame designed to keep the shape of the shoe and remove the moisture inside.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention regards a shoe tree for being inserted into a shoe (dress shoes, casual shoes, etc.). In particular, the present invention relates to a shoe tree with a frame designed to keep the shape of the shoe and remove the moisture inside.

BACKGROUND

A conventional shoe tree is a foot-shaped frame for being placed inside a shoe, designed to preserve its shape. A dehumidifying agent may also be placed inside the conventional shoe tree to wick away moisture.

However, the conventional shoe tree is a foot-shaped frame with multiple ventilation holes. Accordingly, air flows from the outside to the inside of the frame through the ventilation holes or vice versa, but since the structure of the conventional shoe tree does not allow a proper circulation throughout the inside of the shoe, poor ventilation makes drying inefficient.

RELATED ART Patent Documents

(Patent document 0001) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1445848

SUMMARY Problem to be Solved

The primary purpose of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problem as well as other problems.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a shoe tree with improved shape retention and ventilation by supporting the multiple horizontal frames against a vertical frame as a backbone under the shape of ribs.

Means to Solve the Problem

According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the aforementioned or other objects, the present invention may provide a shoe tree in which each of the aforementioned horizontal frames is shaped after a circular arc that is bent from both sides of the aforementioned vertical frame toward the bottom of the shoe, and that includes the multiple horizontal frames inserted into the front of the shoe; and a vertical frame designed to support each of the horizontal frames at predetermined intervals.

Effects of the Invention

The effects of the shoe tree under the present invention are described as follows.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a shoe tree in which the body inserted into the shoe is made of a frame, thereby greatly improving air permeability as well as shape retention.

According to at least any one of the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to mount a case in the space inside the frame to provide a more compact and clean shoe tree.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to attach or detach a case onto or from the frame to provide a shoe tree with improved replaceability.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a shoe tree in which the hooks on the frame can be hanged on a hanger or a clothesline to be dried in the sun.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will be apparent under the following detailed description. The detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of the present invention, should be understood based on the given examples only, since various modifications and corrections within the idea and scope of the present invention can be clearly understood by those skilled in the relevant field of technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are the perspective views from the top and bottom of the shoe tree according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view cut along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the separated first case and the second case cover of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view cut along line 5-5 of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the separated first case and the second case cover of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the separated first case cover of the first case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed herein shall be described in detail by reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same or similar components shall be assigned with the same reference numbers regardless of letterings in the drawings, and overlapping descriptions thereof shall be omitted. The suffixes “module” and “part” for the components used in the following description are assigned or combined only for the convenience of drafting the specification, and thus, they do not carry any distinct meanings or roles on their own. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, in case it is deemed that the detailed description of related prior part may obscure the vital points of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, the detailed description thereof shall be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only to ensure better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical idea disclosed herein is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and they should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents or substitutes within the scope of the idea and technology of the present invention.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various components, but the components shall not be limited by these terms. The aforementioned terms shall be used only to distinguish one component from another.

When a component is referred to as being “joined” or “connected” to another component, it may be directly joined or connected to that component, but it should be understood that another element may also exist in between. On the contrary, when a component is referred to as being “directly joined” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that no other component exists in between.

A singular expression also includes a plural expression unless the context clearly otherwise dictates.

In the present application, terms such as “include” or “have” are to indicate that a feature, number, stage, operation, component, part, or a combination thereof described in the specification exists, and thus, they should be understood not to exclude, in advance, the possibility of existence or addition of one or more of other features, numbers, stages, operations, components, parts, or combination thereof.

In the drawings, the components may be exaggerated or reduced in size for the convenience of description. For example, since the size and thickness of each component in the drawings are illustrated for convenience of description, the present invention is not necessarily limited by the illustration.

Where certain embodiments are otherwise embodiable, a specific process sequence may be observed at variance from the described sequence. For example, two processes described continuously may be carried out simultaneously in substance, or may be carried out in a sequence reverse to the one described.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are the perspective views from the top and bottom of the shoe tree according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shoe tree (1) according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 may be inserted inside the front of the shoe. The shoe tree (1) may include multiple horizontal frames (10) and a vertical frame (30).

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the shoe tree may include multiple horizontal frames (10). The multiple horizontal frames (10) may be located at predetermined intervals from the toe (front) to the instep (rear). The multiple horizontal frames (10) are distributed in the shape of ribs, and thus, they may well maintain the shape of the shoe and offer excellent air permeability. Each of the horizontal frames (10) may be shaped like a circular arc bent toward the sole of the shoe. For example, each of the horizontal frames (10) may be shaped after a hoof as they are closer to the instep. An outline of the multiple horizontal frames (10) may be shaped like a cone in plan view. The multiple horizontal frames (10) may be made of plastic. For example, the multiple horizontal frames (10) may be made of polyethylene (PE). In this case, the multiple horizontal frames (10) may sustain a small elastic deformation. As for the multiple horizontal frames (10), 8 plate-shaped frames may be arranged at predetermined intervals.

The multiple horizontal frames (10) may include the first to eighth horizontal frames (11 to 18). The first horizontal frame (11), which is the frontmost one among the multiple horizontal frames (10), may be shaped like a plate. An air passage (11 a) may be formed in the first horizontal frame (11). The air passage (11 a) may be shaped like an undercut groove. The first horizontal frame (11) may be shaped like a comb in a front view.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the vertical frame (30) may extend in the longitudinal direction from the toe to the instep. For example, the vertical frame (30) may extend in a shape similar to the instep. The vertical frame (30) may support the upper end of each of the horizontal frames (10) from both sides. For example, the vertical frame (30) may be injected together with the multiple horizontal frames (10). In addition, the multiple horizontal frames (10) may be assembled with vertical frame (30) to provide support. The vertical frame (10), like the multiple horizontal frames (10), may be made of polyethylene (PE).

The vertical frame (30) may include a hook (35). The hook (35) may extend in the longitudinal direction from the rear end of the vertical frame (30). The hook (35) may be shaped like a hook. The hook (35) may be hung on a clothesline or a hanger to dry the shoes in the sun. The hook (35) may be stored hung or used as a handle.

The forefront of the vertical frame (30) may have a front protrusion (31). The front protrusion (31) may protrude forward farther than the first horizontal frame (11). The front protrusion (31) may be the first part to touch the front of the inside of the shoe. Then, the air passage (11 a) of the first horizontal frame (11) will not be blocked, thus contributing to the effective air circulation inside the shoe.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view cut along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the separated first case and the second case cover of FIG. 3 . FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view cut along line 5-5 of FIG. 1 . FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the separated first case and the second case cover of FIG. 4 . FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the separated first case cover of the first case.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6 , the shoe tree (1) may include the first case (50). The first case (50) may contain a desiccant, a deodorizer, an air freshener, etc. The desiccant, deodorizer, air freshener, etc. may come ball-shaped in multiple numbers.

The first case (50) may be mounted on the horizontal frame (10) This means the first case (50) may be mounted in the front lower space (20) of the horizontal frame (10). The front lower space (20) of the horizontal frame (10) may be a space between the first to fifth horizontal frames (11 to 15). The front and rear surfaces of the first case (50) may be placed between a surface of the first horizontal frame (11) and a surface of the fifth horizontal frame (15). Between the front and rear surfaces of the first case (50) may be placed in the lower part of the second through fourth horizontal frames (12 to 14).

Referring to FIG. 7 , the first case (50) may include the first case body (51) and the first case cover (56).

The cross-section of the first case body (51) may be shaped like a half-moon.

The first case body (51) may include an opening (52). The opening (52) may be on the rear of the first case body (51). The opening (52) may be on the penetrated part where balls pass through.

The first case body (51) may include multiple small holes (53). Multiple small holes (53) may be located on the upper and lower sides and the front of the first case body (51). Multiple small holes (53) may be for air to pass through between the inside of the shoe and the ball.

The first case body (51) may include a bottom protrusion (54). The bottom protrusion (54) may be located on the rear of the first case body (51) as shown in FIG. 2 . The bottom protrusion (54) may keep a space between the rear of the first case body (51) and the bottom of the shoe. Therefore, the small hole (53) on the rear of the first case body (51) may not be blocked, ensuring a path for effective circulation.

The first case cover (56) may open and close the opening (52). The first case cover (56) may be also shaped like a half-moon like the first case body (51). An air passage (57) may be located on the first case cover (56). The air passage (57) may be shaped like a slot. The first case cover (56) may be placed inside the opening (52). In this case, the ball of the first case (50) can be easily replaceable.

Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , a detachable part (60) of the shoe tree (1) is illustrated.

The detachable part (60) may include a groove (61). The groove (61) may be created on the upper surface of the first case body (51) as shown in FIG. 7 . The groove (61) may be very shallow. The groove (61) may support the lower surface (10 a) of the horizontal frame (10).

The detachable part (60) may include a hooking protrusion (63). The hooking protrusion (63) may be created at the lower surface on both sides of the horizontal frame (10) as shown in FIG. 6 . The hooking protrusion (63) may be hooked onto the edges on both sides of the first case body (51) as shown in FIG. 5 . That is, once the first case (50) is hooked onto the horizontal frame (10), the second to fourth horizontal frames (12 to 14) slightly open up, and the hooking protrusion (63) is clicked and hooked onto the left and right edges of the first case body (51).

As for the detachable part (60), the first case (50) can be mounted in a relatively very stable manner.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4 , the shoe tree (1) may include the second case (70). The second case (70) may contain a desiccant, a deodorizer, an air freshener, etc. The desiccant, deodorizer, air freshener, etc. may be composed of large balls. The user can visually check the performance of the large balls. For example, the user can spray water on the large balls with a sprayer to check the absorption. A large ball may consist of a single ball. A large ball may be shaped like a very large sphere compared to a small ball.

The second case (70) may be mounted on the horizontal frame (10) That is, the second case (70) may be installed in the lower rear space of the horizontal frame (10). In the second case (70), the rear lower space of the horizontal frame (10) may be a space between the fifth (15) and sixth (16) horizontal frames.

Referring to FIG. 2 through FIG. 4 , the second case (70) may include the second case body (71) and the second case cover (73).

The second case body (71) may be shaped like a bell. The second case body (71) may be combined with the fifth (15) and sixth (16) horizontal frames. A rib (19) may be created on the rear surface of the second case body (71). The rib (19) may extend downward from the lower surface of the vertical frame (30). The rib (19) may support the rear surface of the second case body (71).

The second case body (71) may include the opening (72). The opening (72) may be created on the lower surface of the second case body (71). The opening (72) may be a penetrated part where large balls pass through.

The second case body (71) may include multiple large holes (73). The multiple large holes (73) may be created around the second case body (71). Multiple small holes (73) may be for air to pass through between the inside of the shoe and the ball. The large hole (73) may be relatively larger than the small hole (53). The large hole (73) may provide a space to visually check the dehumidification.

The second case cover (76) may open and close the opening (72). The second case cover (76) may be shaped like a donut. Unlike the first case cover (56), the second case cover (76) may not be detachable once it is attached.

Here, since the second case body (71) is bell-shaped, a concave groove (58 a) may be created on the rear surface of the first case body (51). In the first case cover (56), concave cover (58 b) may be created to fit into the concave groove (58 a). The concave part of the first case (50) may be inserted into one surface of the second case body (71).

A certain embodiment of this invention or any other embodiments described above are not mutually exclusive or distinctive. A certain embodiment of this invention or any other embodiments described above may be used jointly or in combination with respective constitutions or features.

It is clear and apparent to those skilled in the relevant field of technology that the present invention may be embodied in another specific form within the scope it does not deviate from the idea and essential characteristics of the present invention. The detailed description given above should not be construed restrictively in all respects but should be considered indicative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the accompanying claims, and all modifications that fall within the equivalent scope of the present invention fall under the scope of the present invention.

[Description of reference numbers] 1: Shoe tree 10: Multiple horizontal frames 30: Vertical frame 35: Hook 50: First case 51: First case body 53: Small hole 54: Bottom protrusion 56: First case cover 60: Detachable part 61: Groove 63: Hooking protrusion 70: Second case 71: Second case body 73: Large hole 76: Second case cover 

What is claimed is:
 1. A shoe tree, comprising: a vertical frame; and multiple horizontal frames; wherein the vertical frame is configured to support the multiple horizontal frames at predetermined intervals, and the multiple horizontal frames are shaped like a circular arc that is bent from sides of the vertical frame toward a bottom of a shoe when inserted into a front of the shoe.
 2. The shoe tree of claim 1, further comprising: a first case with multiple small holes mounted in a front lower space of the multiple horizontal frames; and a dehumidifier or a deodorizer contained in the first case.
 3. The shoe tree of claim 2, wherein a bottom surface of the first case includes multiple bottom protrusions.
 4. The shoe tree of claim 2, wherein a groove on an upper surface of the first case is configured to accommodate a lower surface of a horizontal frame; and a hooking protrusion on lower sides of the horizontal frame is configured to hook on edges of the first case.
 5. The shoe tree of claim 2, further comprising: a second case with multiple large holes in a rear lower space of the multiple horizontal frames, the second case containing a desiccant or deodorizer, a lower surface of the second case being configured to open up; wherein the second case includes a second case body configured to be fixed to the rear lower space of the multiple horizontal frames, and a donut-shaped second case cover configured to cover the lower surface of the second case body.
 6. The shoe tree of claim 5, wherein a front and rear of the first case are inserted between a frontmost horizontal frame of the multiple horizontal frames and the second case.
 7. The shoe tree of claim 1, wherein a rear of the vertical frame includes a hook. 